Healthy Living

Breastfeeding-Don’t Let it Fool You

If you know me, have read any of my posts, or a have traveled to my social media pages, you know that I am BIG into living a  healthy lifestyle. In our household, we make sure the kids get a balanced meal, we get in enough exercise for the day and live a healthy lifestyle. That being said, it was a no brainer when my first daughter was born that I would be breastfeeding her for the next 12 months. It is the healthiest thing for the baby, it helps bond mommy and baby, and it saves money…A LOT OF MONEY.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Getting Into a Solid Routine Once School Starts

Routine…ahhhh…what every kid thrives on. In fact, when we are out of routine, my life feels like utter chaos and I end up a grumpy mess. Some families find comfort when school starts because life has a flow again where over the summer it was more of a stagnant pond (or better yet, crazy hurricane). It is true, kids do better all around when there is some sort of routine to follow. Think about it, the first week of school is all about learning the classroom routine and procedures on how to do things. Why do teachers take the time to do that? It’s because they are setting their year up for success. When kids know what to expect and how to navigate their day, there tends to be less behavioral issues, less chaos in the classroom and less overall misuse of time.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Keeping Kids Healthy When Germs Seem to Be Inevitable

I am one of those mommas…Yes…the ones who see another child sneeze into their hand and cringe because you know the inevitable is going to happen. You immediately rush your child to the restroom, scrub them down from head to toe and wait…wait…wait for the cold to set in a few days later. Eeek…it gives me the weebie jeebies just typing it.

Being a former teacher, I have a few tricks up my…

By Mary Bockert, ago

Fun Summer Activities to Get the Kids Moving

SUUUUUMMER!!!!!!!

Who doesn’t LOVE the warmer weather, the sandals coming out of the closet, the cookouts, the windows open in the house and car and all of the festivals going on? Spring and Summer are my two FAVORITE seasons followed closely by Fall. There are merely endless opportunities to get moving, be active, and enjoy the weather.
Our family turns the TV off and we PLAY. We play outside, inside, we have play dates, we explore local parks, etc. In fact, I have had NO PROBLEM keeping my littles busy over Summer break. I want to share the many ideas that you too can implement into your summer routine.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Properly Packing Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks and Meals for a Theme Park

A six year old, a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old…

Those are the ages of my three beautiful girls. Those are also the ages of three little ones going to their first amusement park to have yet another new adventure in their short young lives. If you are anything like me, you feel the stress of the trip the day you think up the idea to go on it. What should we pack to eat? Should we pack or buy our food while there? How will the girls do without their naps? What should I pack for snacks? Does the park allow food from the outside? What should the girls wear? What if it rains? etc.

AHHHHHHHH……

By Mary Bockert, ago

Fit Mommyhood…How to Give of Yourself and Still Fill Your Own Tank

Being a mommy can be tough, trying and HARD. Between cleaning the house, getting everyone ready and out the door for school, working, planning and making dinner; finding time for yourself seems far from reach. Been there and done that…and I have learned through trial and error how to carve out time for myself as a busy mom.

It isn’t about squeezing out a minute or two here and there, but more about intentionally making time for YOU. At first, it may seem or even feel selfish to take time just for you but if you neglect yourself for others too long, it starts to break your spirit. Keeping the person (YOU)  in tact before “Mommy” is key to successfully feeling like your tank is always full or better yet, overflowing.

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Art of the ‘Stay’cation

Going on vacation during Spring Break can be what’s on everyone’s minds…but what if it just isn’t in the budget? Or what if you have a 4 month old at home and even thinking about traveling and staying in a hotel…dragging TONS of baby gear, working around naptimes, etc. just doesn’t sound enticing (Ahem…this couldn’t possibly be us right now-LOL)? What is a family to do?

In comes the art of the ‘Stay’cation!

By Mary Bockert, ago

New Year, New Start

I know for me and my household, we love starting fresh for the New Year. New goals, new attitude and the excitement of what the new year will bring. Sometimes, the start of a new year means the beginning of new healthy habits…such as setting BIG goals or healthier eating and exercising. This year, having a new baby in the house and having fallen off of the bandwagon with healthy eating, I want to incorporate a “clean eating” habit into our new year goals. This means eliminating anything processed such as lunch meats, cheeses, chips, etc. Instead, my plan is to make all of those things from scratch. Sounds awful and time consuming right?!? —————–>>>>>>>>>WRONG!

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Facts On Becoming Babywise

I know for me and my household, getting the baby to sleep through the night as early as possible is KEY to everyone being happy and content on a daily basis. That being said, I have incorporated the book On Becoming Babywise into my parenting style. For the first 2 kiddos, it worked like a charm and they were both sleeping through the night no later than 9 weeks. You heard me right…no later than 9 weeks!!! It was FANTASTIC! It takes work and dedication but by following the “rules” laid out for you, you too can have a sleeping baby in no time. With my third, we are starting the implementation process this week and I plan on documenting how it goes throughout the sleeping journey.

By Mary Bockert, ago